Outreach Events

In addition to its subscription series in Zilkha Hall and school outreach activities, Ars Lyrica provides performances throughout the Houston community. Ars Lyrica's outreach initiative is aligned with our mission to revive important musical works and practices. Through presentations of period instruments and demonstrations of historical performance practices, we strive to demystify the music of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. An ongoing partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts has resulted in a number of programs and lectures at MFAH facilities (including Bayou Bend, Rienzi, and MFAH main galleries) that complement visual art exhibitions. Through joint events and cross-promotion with partners including Harmony in the Air,The Houston Methodist Hospital's Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Early Music Festival, M.E.C.A., Theater District Open House, Discovery Green, The Children’s Museum of Houston, Foreign Consulates, and Heights Kids’ Day of Music, Ars Lyrica continues to reach out to new and diverse audiences and make a significant impact on the community.

"Ars Lyrica is one of the finest ensembles of its kind ... and greatly enriches the musical life of the City of Houston." - Robert Cole, Artistic Director, Berkeley Early Music Festival and Exhibition

“We’re so pleased for Ars Lyrica and its growing success under your direction and Matthew’s phenomenal talent. It’s a joy to see and hear!” — Adele and Toni Gorody

“What a perfect afternoon; you should be proud! It was a fete champetre, made me think of rococo and Boucher paintings....it was so lovely, I do so admire and respect you for what you are achieving with Ars Lyrica. Please keep it up and give us more Rienzi experiences. Compliments to all the performers.” — Ann Thompson, Opera lecturer

Renaissance Rock at the Hobby Center, May 16 – 18, 2017

Field Trip Performances at the Hobby Center; Grades 1-12

“Renaissance Rock” introduces K-12 students to period dances plus an array of period instruments including recorders, shawms, crumhorns, and bagpipes. Both are interactive in nature and designed to connect children intellectually and physically with an earlier culture. Immerse your students in Renaissance culture through the music and dance of the time!

The Shepherd School Crumhorn Collective gives a broad picture of the Renaissance era via a “mixed concert” presentation with lively Renaissance dance tunes intended for various combinations of 500 year old wind instruments. Students participate by suggesting and hearing different groupings of instruments and by actually learning simple Renaissance dances, which will deepen their understanding of an earlier culture by allowing them to connect both intellectually and physically with popular music of the day.

Upcoming Outreach Events

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s evening by relaxing with a glass of wine on the Rienzi terrace and exploring the house museum at twilight! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, good conversation, and live theorbo music by ALH artist Michael Leopold.